More Motorists Killed in Drugged Driving Accidents

The dangers of drunk driving have been highlighted by many organizations and entities, ranging from state and municipal governments to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and more. But according to an article in The Washington Post, some of the focus should be shifted to drugged, not drunk, driving. Indeed, for the first time, statistics show that drivers killed in car crashes are more likely to be impaired by drugs than be under the influence of alcohol.

Facts About Drugged and Drunk Driving

According to the article in The Washington Post, cited above, which provides data from the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, 43 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2015 had used a drug, whether illegal or legal (in 2005, this number was 28 percent). In comparison, this number was much more significant than the 37 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level above the legal limit of .08 percent.

The majority of the drivers involved in fatal crashes who tested positive for drugs had used marijuana. Nine percent had used amphetamines.

Why Drugged Driving Is On the Rise

There are a number of theories behind why the act of drugged driving has increased so rapidly over the past decade. For starters, more states have decriminalized, legalized, or permitted for medical use marijuana. To be sure, medical use of marijuana is now permitted in more than half of the states, and 21 states have decriminalized it. What’s more, a handful of states have legalized recreational use. In Colorado, where marijuana use for recreation purposes is legal, the number of marijuana-related traffic accident deaths rose by 48 percent after the state legalized the drug.

In addition to the increase in marijuana use–or at least, the legal accessibility to marijuana–another thing to consider is the fact that the opioid epidemic has swept across America, leading to the abuse of prescription opioid medications (painkillers) and heroin.

Drugged Driving Is Dangerous

No matter the reason, drugged driving is extremely dangerous, and should be treated as such. Just as you would never get behind the wheel after consuming an impairing amount of alcohol, so should you never get behind the wheel after taking or using any type of impairing drug, even an over-the-counter drug that has impairing side effects, such as a sleep aid.

Our Attorneys Are Here to Advocate For You if You Are Injured By a Drugged Driver

With the number of drug-impaired drivers on the rise, the risks for other drivers–even those who always operate their vehicles while sober–of being involved in an accident also increases. If you are hit by a drugged driver in Nashville or surrounding areas of Tennessee, our experienced car accident lawyers at the offices of Bednarz Law can help you hold the drugged driver liable for your harm and recover compensation for your losses. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today by phone or online.